Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to chilly days. This delightful dish combines tender potatoes with ground beef and fresh vegetables in a creamy, cheesy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this easy-to-make soup promises rich flavors and a cozy vibe that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot does all the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, herbs, and tender vegetables creates a deliciously creamy soup that’s bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner option, making it suitable for family meals or casual get-togethers.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create this comforting Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Using the right equipment not only streamlines your cooking process but also enhances the final outcome of your dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is key for developing deep flavors over several hours while keeping your hands free.
- Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping easier and safer.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup milk
Optional Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
How to Make Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked.
* Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
* Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker.
* Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
* Pour in the chicken or beef broth.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
* Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Creaminess in Final Minutes
In the last 20 minutes of cooking:
* Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk for added richness.
* If you prefer a thicker soup, add the cornstarch mixture at this time.
Step 6: Serve Your Delicious Soup
Once everything is heated through:
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese on top. Enjoy!
How to Serve Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Serving this hearty soup is easy and versatile. You can enhance its flavors and presentation with a few simple accompaniments that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top adds richness and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds a fresh herbal note.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup texture.
Bread Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a flavorful addition that complements the soup perfectly.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds some crispness and balances out the creaminess of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers freshness and color to your meal.
How to Perfect Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Perfecting your Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Brown the Beef Well: Ensure you brown the ground beef well for a deeper flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, high-quality vegetables will enhance the taste and texture of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
- Let it Simmer Longer: For richer flavors, allowing the soup to simmer longer can develop depth in taste.
Best Side Dishes for Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Pairing this comforting soup with delicious side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping in creamy soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavor-packed stuffed peppers make a hearty addition alongside your soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful texture that complements the creaminess of the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings protein and fiber while enhancing your meal’s nutritional profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup, avoiding common pitfalls can greatly enhance your cooking experience.
- Skipping the browning step: This step adds flavor. Always brown the ground beef first for a richer taste in your soup.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: This can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you follow the ingredient measurements closely for best results.
- Not seasoning adequately: Underseasoned soup can be bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your liking.
- Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking on high for too long may overcook ingredients. Stick to the recommended time for perfectly tender veggies.
- Forgetting garnishes: They add both flavor and presentation. Always finish with fresh parsley and extra cheese for a delicious touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries regarding Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will work well in this recipe, providing a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
How long does it take to cook in a crockpot?
The recommended cooking time is 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on how tender you want your vegetables.
Can I make Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly after cooking.
What are some customization options?
You can add additional vegetables like peas or corn, or even switch up the cheese used based on your preference.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour, this soup can easily be made gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup is not just hearty and filling; it’s also versatile and customizable. You can tweak ingredients based on what you have at home or personal preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this comforting dish that’s perfect for any chilly evening!
Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & Chicken Hamburger Soup
Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & Chicken Hamburger Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort on chilly days. This creamy, cheesy soup combines tender potatoes, ground beef, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that warms both the heart and the belly. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare—just set it in the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax. The rich flavors of cheddar cheese mixed with herbs create a deliciously inviting aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 8 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Garnishes: Fresh parsley, extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and add chopped onion and minced garlic until onions are translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker and add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and broth.
- Sprinkle in dried thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. For a thicker consistency, add cornstarch mixed with water.
- Serve hot with fresh parsley and extra cheese as garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize by adding your favorite vegetables like peas or corn. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.